Tablet device backpack

ABSTRACT

A tablet device backpack can include a main body portion having a front side with a cut away pocket adapted for holding a tablet device. The tablet device backpack can also include a first strap portion extending from a top edge of the main body portion and a second strap portion extending from a first side edge of the main body portion, the first and second strap portions being releasably attachable via a snap buckle. The table device backpack can also include a first adjustable retaining strap and a second adjustable retaining strap configured to hold the front side substantially perpendicular to a back side, so that a screen of the tablet device being held in the tablet device pocket of the front side can be viewed by a user.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/444,183, entitled “Electronic Tablet Sling Back Pack,” filed on Feb. 18, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Embodiments relate generally to tablet device cases, and, more particularly to a tablet device backpack having a hinged tablet device compartment configured to be opened to one of a plurality of positions each for a different respective tablet device usage scenario.

Conventional tablet device cases may be limited to one or two usage scenarios and may also be limited to one or two carrying modes. For example, a tablet portfolio case can hold a tablet device and be used on flat surface with the portfolio open. Some tablet portfolio cases may provide a stand feature to hold the tablet at an angle to a surface such as a table top. However, portfolio cases may not be convenient to carry, especially when engaged in an activity, such as biking, which may require that the user's hands be free to perform other tasks.

Also, conventional cases may be limited to storing only a tablet device. Many tablet devices users also carry and use other devices, such as a wireless phone and/or another portable computer.

Further, conventional tablet device cases may not permit a user to easily access and use the tablet device when the user is standing or sitting without access to a table or desk surface.

Embodiments were conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems and limitations, among other things.

An embodiment can include a sling-style tablet device backpack with a main body portion having a front side, a back side, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The front side can be connected to the back side by a fabric hinge disposed along the bottom edge. The front side and back side can be releasably held together by a single zipper extending along the first side edge, the top edge and the second side edge. The front side can have a pocket adapted for holding a tablet device. The back side can have a storage pocket. The tablet device backpack can also include a first strap portion extending from the top edge of the main body portion, the first strap portion having a female snap buckle disposed at a free end, the first strap portion having a zippered pocket disposed thereon.

The tablet device backpack can further include a second strap portion extending from the first side edge of the main body portion. The second strap portion can have a male snap buckle disposed at a free end. The male strap buckle can be adjustably attached to a nylon belt affixed to the second strap portion so as to permit the second strap portion to be adjustable in length.

The tablet device backpack can also include a first adjustable retaining strap and a second adjustable retaining strap. The first and second adjustable retaining straps can be disposed adjacent to the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively, and each adjustable retaining strap can have a first end connected to the back side of the main body portion at the top edge and a second end releasably connected to the front side of the main body portion at the top edge. Further, the first and second adjustable straps can be configured to hold the front side substantially perpendicular to the back side when the zipper is unzipped and the front side is laid open, so that a screen of the tablet device being held in the tablet device pocket of the front side can be viewed by a user.

Another embodiment can include a backpack with a main body portion having a front side, a back side, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The front side can be connected to the back side by a fabric hinge disposed along the bottom edge. The front side and back side can be releasably held together by a single zipper extending along the first side edge, the top edge and the second side edge. The front side can have a pocket adapted for holding a tablet device. The backpack can also include a first strap portion extending from the top edge of the main body portion, the first strap portion having a female snap buckle disposed at a free end. The back pack can further include a second strap portion extending from the first side edge of the main body portion, the second strap portion having a male snap buckle disposed at a free end.

The backpack can also include a first adjustable retaining strap and a second adjustable retaining strap, the first and second adjustable retaining straps can be disposed adjacent to the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively. Each adjustable retaining strap can have a first end connected to the back side of the main body portion at the top edge and a second end releasably connected to the front side of the main body portion at the top edge. The first and second adjustable straps can be configured to hold the front side substantially perpendicular to the back side when the zipper is unzipped and the front side is laid open, so that a screen of the tablet device being held in the tablet device pocket of the front side can be viewed by a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an interior view of an exemplary tablet device backpack in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an exterior view of an exemplary tablet device backpack in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary tablet device backpack having a main body portion and two strap portions in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an exterior view of an exemplary tablet device backpack in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing exterior front and side views of an exemplary tablet device backpack in accordance with at least one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an interior view of an exemplary tablet device backpack in accordance with at least one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “tablet device,” as used herein, refers to a tablet-style computer such as an iPad or the like. The term “wireless phone,” as used herein, refers to a cellular phone such as an iPhone, Droid, Blackberry, or the like.

FIGS. 1-3 show a first exemplary embodiment of a table device backpack. In particular, a tablet device backpack 10 includes a main body having a front side portion 12, a back side portion 14 and a flap 16 to releasably secure the front side portion 12 to the back side portion 14 when the backpack 10 is closed. The backpack 10 also includes a solid pocket 18 configured to be large enough to receive and retain the long edge of a tablet device. The tablet device 10 also includes a plurality (e.g., two as shown in FIG. 1) of elastic bands 20 configured to receive and retain the corners of the tablet device opposite the edge retained by the solid pocket 18.

The backpack 10 also includes one or more zippers 22 disposed along respective edges of the backpack and used to releasably secure the front side portion 12 to the back side portion 14. The backpack 10 also includes one or more adjustable straps 24 (e.g., two are shown in FIG. 1, disposed at respective outside edges of the backpack 10).

The backpack 10 also includes one or more magnet snaps (26, 30) for releasably securing the flap 16 to other portions of the backpack 10 where corresponding magnetic snaps are located. The backpack 10 also includes one or more magnets (28, 32) for activating a sleep/wake function of a tablet device inserted in the backpack 10. The placement of the magnets (28, 32) can be based on a location of corresponding magnetic sensors on the tablet device for which the backpack 10 has been designed to accommodate. Corresponding magnetic snaps 36 are shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows the backpack 10 along with the shoulder strap assembly 38. The should strap assembly 38 includes a first portion 44 and a second portion 42. The first and second portions each include a releasable fastener (e.g., snap buckle, hook-and-loop, snaps, zipper, or the like) on each respective free end (not shown).

The first strap portion 44 and the second strap portion 42 extend from the main body portion of the backpack 10 at angles configured to allow the backpack to be worn (or held) in a plurality of positions on a user's body. For example, the backpack 10 can be held behind the user, at a side of the user or in front of the user. When in front of the user, the front side portion 12 can be released from the back side portion 14 (e.g., by unzipping the zipper(s) or unfastening any other type of fastener being used) and lowered to a position limited by the adjustable nylon straps 24. For example, the front side portion can be lowered to a position approximately at a right angle to the back side portion 14, thereby making a screen of the tablet device visible to the user as the user looks in a downward direction. The back pack also makes the tablet device accessible to the user in a hands free mode that allows the user to view and touch the tablet device without having to use one or both hands to hold the tablet device.

The backpack 10 can also include a first accessory pocket 40 on the second strap portion 42 and a second accessory pocket 46 (e.g., for holding a wireless device such as an iPhone) on the first strap portion 44. The first and second accessory pockets can have closures such as zippers, hook-and-loop (e.g., Velcro), snaps or the like.

FIGS. 4-6 show a second exemplary embodiment of a tablet device backpack. In particular, the backpack 400 includes a main body portion 402, a zippered utility pocket 404 disposed on an exterior of a front side portion, a zip and fold away flap 406 that conceals a camera hole 408 when the flap 406 is closed and reveals the camera hole 408 when the flap 406 is open. The camera hole 408 can be configured and placed according to a camera location on a contemplated tablet device for which the backpack is being designed to accommodate.

FIG. 5 shows front and side profile views of the backpack 400. In addition to the features mentioned above, the backpack 400 includes a first strap portion 410 extending from a top edge of the main body portion 402, a female snap buckle 411 attached to a free end of the first strap portion 410, a plurality of elastic utility straps 414 attached to the first strap portion 410, and a zippered pocket 416 disposed within the first strap portion 410.

The backpack 400 also includes a second strap portion 412. The second strap portion 412 extends from a first side edge of the main body portion 402. The backpack includes a male snap buckle 418 adjustably attached to a free end of the second strap portion 412, the male snap 418 being adjustable via a belt 420 to shorten or lengthen the second strap portion to accommodate users of differing body sizes. The female snap buckle 411 and the male snap buckle 418 are configured to be releasably connected to form a single shoulder strap assembly.

The second strap portion 412 also has a plurality of elastic utility bands 422 attached to an exterior surface of the second strap portion 412. The second strap portion also includes one or more snap hooks 424.

As shown in FIG. 6, the backpack 400 main body portion 402 includes a front side portion 426 and a back side portion 428. The back side portion 428 includes a magnet 430 for activating a sleep/wake function of a tablet device.

The backpack 400 also includes first and second retaining straps (434, 436) that are adjustable and releasably fastened to the front side portion 426 via buckles (438, 439).

The front side portion 426 is configured to hold a tablet device in a cut away pocket 446 that allows a user to view the tablet screen, the tablet can be slid into the pocket 446 through a top edge slot 452. The front side portion 426 includes numerous cut outs configured to permit access to the tablet device. For example, the front side portion 426 includes a power button cut out 440, a microphone cut out 442, a front side camera cut out 444, headphone jack cut out 448, 30-pin connector (or the like) cut out 450 and a volume control cut out 454.

The first strap portion 410 and the second strap portion 412 extend from the main body portion 402 of the backpack 400 at respective angles configured to allow the backpack 400 to be worn (or held) in a plurality of positions on a user's body. For example, the backpack 400 can worn so that the main body portion 402 is placed behind the user, at a side of the user or in front of the user. When in front of the user, the front side portion 426 can be released from the back side portion 428 (e.g., by unzipping the zipper(s) or unfastening any other type of fastener being used, for example, the backpack 400 can include a single zipper that extends from a first side edge across a top and down a second side edge of the main body portion 402) and lowered to a position limited by the adjustable straps 434, 436. For example, the front side portion 426 can be lowered to a position approximately at a right angle to the back side portion 428, thereby making a screen of the tablet device visible to the user as the user looks in a downward direction. The backpack 400 also makes the tablet device accessible to the user in a hands free mode that allows the user to view and touch the tablet device without having to use one or both hands to hold the tablet device.

In another configuration, the adjustable straps 434, 436 can be released at their respective buckles (438, 439) and the main body portion can be folded “inside out” so that the exterior surfaces of the back side portion and the front side portions are adjacent to each other. The adjustable straps can be extended from the back side portion around the outside of the folded main body portion and connected to the front side portion in order to hold the main body portion in an “A-frame” configuration that allows the tablet to be set on a table or desk and supported in a generally upright position for viewing.

Specific examples of materials and dimensions described above are for purposes of illustrating principles of exemplary embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. It will be appreciated that other materials and dimensions can be used with equal success depending on a contemplated embodiment.

It is, therefore, apparent that there is provided, in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein, tablet device backpacks.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, Applicant intends to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A tablet device backpack comprising: a main body portion having a front side, a back side, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, the front side being hinged to the back side by a fabric hinge disposed along the bottom edge, the front side and back side being releasably held together by a single zipper extending along the first side edge, the top edge and the second side edge, the front side having a pocket adapted for holding a tablet device and the back side having a storage pocket; a first strap portion extending from the top edge of the main body portion, the first strap portion having a female snap buckle disposed at a free end, the first strap portion having a zippered pocket disposed thereon; a second strap portion extending from the first side edge of the main body portion, the second strap portion having a male snap buckle disposed at a free end, the male strap buckle being adjustably attached to a nylon belt affixed to the second strap portion so as to permit the second strap portion to be adjustable in length; a first adjustable retaining strap and a second adjustable retaining strap, the first and second adjustable retaining straps being disposed adjacent to the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively, and each adjustable retaining strap having a first end connected to the back side of the main body portion at the top edge and a second end releasably connected to the front side of the main body portion at the top edge, the first and second adjustable straps being configured to hold the front side substantially perpendicular to the back side when the zipper is unzipped and the front side is laid open, so that a screen of the tablet device being held in the tablet device pocket of the front side can be viewed by a user.
 2. The tablet device backpack of claim 1, further comprising a zippered pocket disposed on an outside surface of the front side of the main body portion.
 3. The tablet device backpack of claim 1, further comprising a zippered flap disposed on an outside surface of the front side of the main body portion adjacent the corner where the top edge and first side edge meet.
 4. The tablet device backpack of claim 3, further comprising a camera hole disposed in the front side of the main body portion, the camera hole being positioned so as to permit a camera on the tablet device to obtain an image of the exterior of the backpack when the zippered flap is unzipped and lowered.
 5. The tablet device backpack of claim 1, further comprising an elastic stylus holder disposed adjacent to the fabric hinge on an interior of the backpack.
 6. The tablet device backpack of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of elastic utility straps disposed on an exterior surface of the first strap portion.
 7. The tablet device backpack of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of elastic utility straps disposed on an exterior surface of the second strap portion.
 8. A backpack comprising: a main body portion having a front side, a back side, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, the front side being hinged to the back side by a fabric hinge disposed along the bottom edge, the front side and back side being releasably held together by a single zipper extending along the first side edge, the top edge and the second side edge, the front side having a pocket adapted for holding a tablet device; a first strap portion extending from the top edge of the main body portion, the first strap portion having a female snap buckle disposed at a free end; a second strap portion extending from the first side edge of the main body portion, the second strap portion having a male snap buckle disposed at a free end; a first adjustable retaining strap and a second adjustable retaining strap, the first and second adjustable retaining straps being disposed adjacent to the first side edge and the second side edge, respectively, and each adjustable retaining strap having a first end connected to the back side of the main body portion at the top edge and a second end releasably connected to the front side of the main body portion at the top edge, the first and second adjustable straps being configured to hold the front side substantially perpendicular to the back side when the zipper is unzipped and the front side is laid open, so that a screen of the tablet device being held in the tablet device pocket of the front side can be viewed by a user.
 9. The backpack of claim 8, further comprising a storage pocket disposed in the back side.
 10. The backpack of claim 8, wherein the first strap portion includes a zippered pocket disposed thereon.
 11. The backpack of claim 8, wherein the male strap buckle is adjustably attached to a nylon belt affixed to the second strap portion so as to permit the second strap portion to be adjustable in length.
 12. The backpack of claim 8, further comprising a zippered pocket disposed on an outside surface of the front side of the main body portion.
 13. The backpack of claim 8, further comprising a zippered flap disposed on an outside surface of the front side of the main body portion adjacent the corner where the top edge and first side edge meet.
 14. The backpack of claim 13, further comprising a camera hole disposed in the front side of the main body portion, the camera hole being positioned so as to permit a camera on the tablet device to obtain an image of the exterior of the backpack when the zippered flap is unzipped and lowered.
 15. The backpack of claim 8, further comprising an elastic stylus holder disposed adjacent to the fabric hinge on an interior of the backpack.
 16. The backpack of claim 8, wherein the first and second retaining straps can be released, and the main body portion can be folded so an exterior of the front side portion is adjacent to an exterior of the back side portion, the first and second retaining straps can be extended from the back side portion around an outside of the folded main body portion and connected to the front side portion, such that the main body portion can rest on a top edge of the back side portion and a top edge of the front side portion.
 17. The backpack of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of elastic utility straps disposed on an exterior surface of the second strap portion and a plurality of elastic utility straps disposed on an exterior surface of the first strap portion.
 18. The tablet device backpack of claim 1, wherein the first strap portion and the second strap portion are configured to permit the main body portion to be worn at one of a plurality of positions.
 19. The tablet device backpack of claim 1, wherein the plurality of positions include a first position at which the main body portion is located behind a user, a second position at which the main body portion is located on a side of the user, and a third position at which the main body portion is located in front of the user.
 20. The backpack of claim 8, wherein the first strap portion and the second strap portion are configured to permit the main body portion to be worn at one of a plurality of positions, and wherein the plurality of positions include a first position at which the main body portion is located behind a user, a second position at which the main body portion is located on a side of the user, and a third position at which the main body portion is located in front of the user. 